Wednesdays 10:00PM ET
Sudan
Lots of countries have extreme conflict and violence, but Sudan’s ancient pyramids, dangerous Red Sea, and dust storms can pose even more danger. Here are some tips from this week’s Sudan episode…
Not quite backpacker friendly. With few tourists in Sudan, you will feel like you are truly on the lonely planet. Prepare to be self-reliant by familiarizing yourself with maps and websites.
But yes, there is sightseeing. There are more pyramids in Sudan than in Egypt. Unlike visitors who go to see Egyptian pyramids, visitors who travel to Sudan to see the pyramids can also climb them. While the view from the top is stunning, but if you make it, you need to get back down. It can be a steep and severe slip.
Look out for major massacres. The Rebellion of Darfur in 2003 has killed an estimated 200,000 people and still counting. While conflicts may have settled, it is important to always be aware that you are in a country that is in a constant state of emergency.
Hold on to your documents. Beware of unidentified security guards. Permits, IDs, and passports should never be taken out of your site.
Take the camel express. The easiest way to travel when viewing the pyramids is by camel. To mount a camel you must command the camel to sit on the ground. Then you mount on the left hand side and cross your legs while you sit on the back.
Don’t feed the fish. Every dive in the Red Sea is a dangerous adventure. The underwater creatures that live in the Red Sea are not used to humans. Be prepared to have the fish swim away and come back.